A doctor has issued a stark warning to those who take a common type of medication (Image: DM)
A doctor has issued a stark warning to those who take a common type of medication. Omeprazole, a popular drug in the UK that functions as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), is frequently used to manage issues such as acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.
It was the first and remains the most commonly prescribed PPI, with millions of NHS prescriptions dispensed each year. It is viewed by many as a crucial medication for numerous patients grappling with acid-related stomach issues.
The latest data reveals that in England, 73 million NHS prescriptions for all PPIs were dispensed during 2022-23, with omeprazole being one of the two most commonly prescribed drugs. Given the number of people taking or being prescribed omeprazole, a doctor has sounded a note of caution to anyone using it. The news comes as NHS codeine ‘side effect’ warning for 1 in 100 people.
Dr Ana Pérez Ballesta, a family doctor with a master’s degree in Emergency Medicine, warns that unnecessary use of the medication could be more harmful than beneficial. She stated: “If you take it unnecessarily, it can hinder the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12”.
Omeprazole is one of the most prescribed medications in the UK and globally, but Dr Ballesta cautions that she believes its usage has extended beyond its original purpose. She suggests that many individuals use it as a “stomach protector” against heavy meals, alcohol, or the occasional consumption of certain medications, reports the Mirror.
However, the health expert has issued a warning that this habit can lead to side effects if continued for years without medical supervision. She explains that omeprazole and other similar drugs, such as esomeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, and rabeprazole, are part of the group of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
“They reduce stomach acid and are useful, but not always,” she stated. “They are indicated for reflux or oesophagitis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, Helicobacter pylori eradication, and chronic treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs if there is a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.”
Millions of NHS prescriptions were dispensed each year (Image: DM)
The issue arises when it’s taken as a preventative measure without a clear clinical cause. According to Dr Ballesta, “to avoid heartburn before a heavy meal or every time you’re prescribed an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory on a one-off basis” shouldn’t be a reason to consume it.
In her view, this practice is widespread, even though the concept of a “stomach protector” doesn’t really exist.
Unnecessary use over a prolonged period can have significant consequences. “If you take it for years without needing it, it can hinder the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B12, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, anaemia from various causes, and digestive infections,” the specialist warned.
She also pointed out that it has been connected to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, also known as SIBO.
Dr Ballesta stressed that in her practice, she has encountered countless patients who had been consuming omeprazole for more than a decade without a clear justification.
“In my practice, I have seen many people who have been taking it for 10 or 15 years without really knowing why, some of them already suffering from osteoporosis, anaemia that doesn’t respond to certain treatments, or digestive problems for which we can’t find another cause.”
Taking omeprazole for an extended period can heighten the likelihood of developing certain health complications, including deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, fractured bones, and kidney difficulties.
Dr Ana Pérez Ballesta has discussed the risks of taking omeprazole unnecessarily (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Whilst omeprazole is typically safe for short-term usage, the dangers linked with prolonged use are concerning, particularly for elderly individuals.
The medications can boost the likelihood of contracting a serious bacterial infection known as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which can trigger severe diarrhoea.
Multiple studies suggest a link between omeprazole and long-term adverse effects, though these are observational.
This indicates they can demonstrate associations without definitively establishing that the medication is the direct cause.
It’s crucial to discuss with a doctor whether to continue using it long-term, as they can help assess the benefits against the potential dangers based on your individual health needs. A medical professional has issued a stark warning to those who take omeprazole without proper prescription, stating: “Prolonged self-medication with this type of inhibitor can lead to complications that far outweigh the supposed benefits of taking it just in case,”.
Abruptly discontinuing omeprazole isn’t harmful per se, but it could trigger a severe and temporary resurgence of acid reflux symptoms known as “rebound acid hypersecretion.”
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This occurs when the stomach begins to overproduce acid to compensate for the medication’s effects, which can exacerbate the original symptoms. This rebound effect is a common withdrawal symptom, particularly if you’ve been on the medication for more than a few weeks.
The silver lining is that this typically doesn’t last long, and the symptoms can be managed.
What does the NHS have to say?
The NHS website advises: “Do not take omeprazole for longer than two weeks if you bought it without a prescription.”
It further instructs: “See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better.”
The NHS also provides information about the administration of omeprazole, stating that it usually comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and liquid that you swallow. Some tablets can be dissolved in water.
The issue arises when it’s taken as a preventative measure (Image: undefined)
The dosage and duration depend on the type of omeprazole you’re taking and the reason for its use.
Omeprazole is typically taken once or twice daily. The duration of use varies from person to person; some may require it for a few days, while others may need it for several weeks, months or even years.
Always refer to the information provided with your medication and consult a pharmacist or doctor if you’re unsure about dosage or encounter any issues.
Like all medications, omeprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of omeprazole include:.
There are also potential serious side effects associated with omeprazole, though these are rare. Possible serious side effects of omeprazole include:.
The likelihood of experiencing serious side effects increases with prolonged use of omeprazole (a year or more).